Pictures: HR reps, hiring managers share secrets of scoring the job

Kim Hairston / The Baltimore Sun

"I will trash any resume if [the applicant] did not follow ad directions or does not meet our qualifications (over or under qualified)." -- Agora Inc. CEO Myles Norin Employers don't write up job ads because it's fun. Their business has a need, and if you'd like to meet that need, you should be able to follow direction from the start with limited improvisation.

Within the bounds of good taste and common sense, you may use personal information that's widely known about the potential employer in order to stand out. "I had an applicant mention something about my greyhounds -- I love and talk about my greyhounds," Maroon said. "It's personal because I love my dog, but it's personal also because it shows that they put forth the effort to learn something about me."

You know to bring two copies of your resume with you on interviews, give a firm handshake and immediately answer that your greatest weakness is that "I care too much." But when you're looking for a job, what's really going through the mind of the person reading your resume, checking out your LinkedIn profile or appraising you from across the desk? We thought we'd ask for you. b approached some of Baltimore's CEOs, HR reps and top managers to help break down the unwritten rules for job suitors as they hunt for that new job, raise or promotion. They've seen a lot of applicants; they've hired plenty but have turned away many more. Here's the unvarnished truth on what goes through their heads. -- Simon Habtemariam (@Simon_HWT)